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Son's Drug Death Fuels Campaign Against 'One Pill Kills'
12 Jun
Summary
- Mother met political leader to raise drug awareness after son's death.
- An 18-year-old died after taking ecstasy in Ibiza on his first holiday.
- Campaign warns young people that 'one pill can kill' and urges vigilance.
A mother has met with a prominent political figure to highlight the dangers of recreational drug use, following the death of her 18-year-old son, Ryan Long. Ryan passed away on July 8, 2026, after falling into a coma due to taking ecstasy during his first holiday in Ibiza. His mother described the encounter as poignant, with the leader acknowledging it as a parent's worst nightmare and the importance of discussing drug-related issues without stigma.
The campaign, spearheaded by Ryan's mother, aims to educate young people about the potentially fatal consequences of drug consumption, adopting the slogan 'one pill can kill'. She stresses that the belief in invincibility can be deadly and urges youth to recognize that such tragedies can happen to anyone, not just others. Encouraging peer support during nights out is also a key message, as sleeping off an adverse reaction is not always a viable solution.
Drug support charities are collaborating with the campaign, emphasizing the need for early intervention and drug education within schools. Experts advocate for assemblies and workshops to inform students about the warning signs and dangers. Ryan's inquest identified MDMA and cocaine as the causes of his death, underscoring the critical need for widespread awareness and preventative education.
